Police say masked man robbed bank

A masked man in a green hooded sweatshirt robbed New Mexico Bank and Trust branch in the Hilltop Plaza about 11 a.m. Thursday, according to Clovis police.

A press release from police indicated a man entered the bank, demanded money, and escaped on foot.

"Officers searched the surrounding neighborhood and spoke to numerous citizens in the area, but the suspect was not located," according to a press release. "The suspect is described as being a light skinned male possibly in his twenties, medium height, and slim build. The individual was wearing a green 'hoodie' and had his face covered. The suspect demanded money. No weapon was seen.

CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks

Clovis police were canvassing the neighborhood around New Mexico Bank and Trust at Hilltop Plaza Thursday after a masked man robbed the branch about 11 a.m

The case is being investigated by the Clovis Police Department's Special Operations Unit."

Police didn't indicate the amount of cash taken. Officers were still at the bank investigating about two and a half hours after the robbery.

Bank President Gary Wiley referred all questions to police.

The same branch was robbed in 2006 by Frank Lasky IV, who was accused of using a fake bomb after entering the branch wearing sunglasses and a long blond wig. Lasky is serving time for the robbery conviction at state prison in Santa Fe.

CNJ staff photo: Tony Bullocks

A notice on the front door of New Mexico Bank & Trust at Hilltop Plaza tells bank customers Thursday to go to other branches

Witnesses at the scene Thursday said detectives canvassed neighboring stores in the area looking for eyewitnesses and any outside surveillance video. Randy Gant, a manager at S&S Supermarket, said he voluntarily turned over the store's outside surveillance video.

"Outside of that," Gant said, "there's just not a lot more I can tell you. I just didn't notice anything."

Employees at Little Caesars Pizza, Simply Salads and Creative Nails said they weren't aware of a robbery until spotting a swarm of police squad cars surrounding the bank. They confirmed being questioned by police, saying all were asked for any surveillance video, though none of the stores maintains outside video cameras.

Right: This is a surveillance photo provided by the FBI of the suspect who robbed the New Mexico Bank and Trust branch in the Hilltop Plaza.